Funimation Acquires "My Hero Academia" Season 2; Episodes To Stream Same Day As Japanese Broadcast

FLOWER MOUND, Texas, March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the successful first season of the most highly-anticipated, new series of 2016, Funimation® Entertainment revealed today that it has acquired rights to Season 2 of "My Hero Academia." In a first for the series, "My Hero Academia" will premiere simultaneously in Japan, U.S., Canada, U.K. and Ireland on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Including the premiere, Funimation will present the first six episodes of both the English-subtitled simulcast and English SimulDub™ on the same day they are broadcast in Japan. Simulcast and SimulDub episodes will both be available on FunimationNow. Ahead of the premiere, a special, Season 1 recap episode of "My Hero Academia" will premiere in Japan on Saturday, March 25.

"'My Hero Academia' was one of the most eagerly anticipated new anime series to launch in 2016. It was a big hit with our fans and the #1 show on FunimationNow last year," said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of Funimation. "We're very excited to be presenting the first six episodes of 'My Hero Academia' – both simulcast and SimulDub – on the same day they air in Japan. I have no doubts that Season 2 will be another fantastic season and will build on the great characters and storylines from last year."

Praise for "My Hero Academia" has been universal. IGN gave it a "9 out of 10." Geek & Sundry named it the "Best Anime of 2016." And iDigitalTimes predicted that "'My Hero Academia' is well poised to be, if not, the new 'Naruto.'" The anime is based on the New York Times' best-selling manga series and is produced by the critically acclaimed BONES studio, which is known for other hit anime series including 'Fullmetal Alchemist,' 'Soul Eater,' and 'Space Dandy.' Funimation will release "My Hero Academia" Season 1 on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD on April 18, 2017.

"Toho and BONES exceeded expectations with Season 1 and Season 2 will definitely not disappoint," said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of Funimation. "We're thrilled to be distributing 'My Hero Academia' and for FunimationNow to be the home of the both the simulcast and SimulDub."

Synopsis

There's a new hero in town! "My Hero Academia" is a superhero origin story that soars to the top of the class!

Izuku has dreamt of being a hero all his life—a lofty goal for anyone, but especially challenging for a kid with no superpowers. That's right, in a world where eighty percent of the population has some kind of super-powered "quirk," Izuku was unlucky enough to be born completely normal. But that's not going to stop him from enrolling in one of the world's most prestigious hero academies. Now, the only thing standing between him and his first class is the academy's formidable entrance exam—nothing a little private tutoring from the world's mightiest hero can't solve.

In Season 2, it's Quirk versus Quirk as our young heroes face off in the ultimate showdown! The world-renowned U.A. Sports Festival begins now.

For more about "My Hero Academia" Season 2, including character information and how to "join the Academy" for exclusive news and information, visit funimation.com/myheroclass.

About Funimation EntertainmentFunimation is the go-to destination for extraordinary anime. By combining its integrated in-house studios along with its technology and distribution partnerships, Funimation leads the industry with its omnichannel approach to offering anime to fans—from streaming and home entertainment, to theatrical distribution and broadcast television. The company's next generation streaming service, FunimationNow, provides subscribers with instant access to their favorite sub and dub shows in ad-free HD on the widest array of devices and platforms—from smartphones and tablets to TVs and gaming consoles. For more information about Funimation, visit funimation.com.